EDUC 500 Learning Theory

An overview of the teaching-learning process. Topics include learning theory, individual differences, motivation, human development, exceptionality, teaching methodology, measurement and evaluation.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

When educators have an understanding of advanced learning theories and current research, they are better prepared to apply the most appropriate and effective theories and approaches in various educational settings, which increases the academic and behavioral success of their learners. This course integrates a Christian worldview as students explore topics including individual differences, motivation, human development, exceptionality, teaching strategies, at-risk students, and classroom management. 

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each Discussion will be completed in 2 parts: a thread addressing the instructor’s prompt and 2 replies to classmates’ threads. The thread must be at least 400 words and the replies must be at least 200 words each. Each thread must include at least 2 references in current APA format. (CLO: A, C, G, I, J)

Social and Emotional Development Assignment

The candidate will complete a template based off  “Social and Emotional Development” and readings from the Slavin and Schunk textbook. All sources must be cited in current APA format. (Outcomes: A, B, J)

Journal Article Review Assignment

The candidate will review and critique the journal article, “Adopting a Stance: Bandura and Vygotsky on Professional Development” with applications to personal and professional development. The review must be 1-2 pages and follow current APA format. (Outcomes: A, E, H, J).

Character Education Interview Assignment

For this assignment, the candidate will select either a teacher or a parent to inquire about his/her school experiences regarding character education. The candidate must explain the requirements of the assignment and ask permission to take notes and record the participant’s answers. The candidate is responsible for locating this person. The School of Education Field Office will not assist in locating a parent or teacher. In addition, school districts are not responsible for assisting the student in locating a parent or teach to complete this assignment. (CLO: A, B, C, J)

Video Clip Analysis: Social Development Theory Assignment

The candidate will view the teaching video and answer questions provided. Each question must be answered in at least 150 words. Responses must be in current APA format and include a title and reference page. At least 1 source must be cited in current APA format. This paper will be submitted as a Word document. (Outcomes: F, H, I, J) 

Annotated Bibliography

The candidate must submit an Annotated Bibliography in current APA format. The bibliography must contain at least 6 scholarly sources from Liberty University’s online databases that are pertinent to the topics being studied. All sources must be published within the past 5 years. For this Annotated Bibliography assignment, the candidate must not include any textbook from this course. (CLO: J)

Video Analysis Tool: Long-term Retention Assignment

The candidate will view the teaching video and answer questions provided. Each question should be answered in at least 150 words. Responses must be in current APA format and include a title and reference page. At least 1 source must be cited in current APA format. This paper will be submitted as a Word document. (CLO: A, C, H, J)

Personal Theory as an Effective Role Model Paper

The candidate will create his/her own personal theory of being an effective role model as it relates to you specifically as an educator, an administrator, and/or a leader. The paper must be 7 pages: 5 pages for the body, 1 title page, and 1 reference page. It must include at least 6 scholarly sources, plus both course textbooks (Slavin & Schunk and Van Brummelen). All sources must be published within the past 5 years. (Outcomes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J) 

Quizzes (9)

The candidate will complete 9 quizzes based on the current APA manual and on textbook readings. Each quiz will consist of 20–30 multiple choice or true/false questions. The quizzes are open-book, open-notes, and will have a specified time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J)